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The Sunday Series (29), with Mark Brodinsky

Think you can change the world? No? Then you are not thinking big enough, dreaming big enough, or believing big enough. Because you can….but only if you believe in yourself first.

The Sunday Series (29): Believe Big

Her name is Ivelisse Page. And though her beautiful name begins with an “I”, she knows there is no “I” in team. Every dream needs a team. It can’t exist without one. Ivelisse could teach a lesson in Reach your Dream 101. And you might just say it is her destiny….

“I’m going to share one story I rarely share. My closest friends didn’t know about this. The summer after my father’s death, (Ivelisse’s father died of colon cancer when she was 13), I went to summer camp with my youth group and there was a guest preacher there. He prayed and told me that God told him I was going to play an integral role in finding a cure for cancer. I was 13. I was intrigued. I asked around at camp if anyone mentioned anything to the preacher about my Dad, the cancer or anything else. Everyone said no. For many years I didn’t tell anyone this story, not even my mom. As the years passed I thought the guy had made a mistake. But 24 years later….”

There was no mistake. In September of 2008 Ivelisse started on the path toward her destiny, but what she didn’t know was she wouldn’t be drawn to destiny, it would literally pass right through her. First stop, cancer.

“My father died just two years after being diagnosed with colon cancer. I was diagnosed the same age as my father, at 37, but I had taken precautions. My father’s mother and half of her siblings had colon cancer and all died from it. I was taking all the precautions, eating organic foods, exercising and getting colonoscopies every 5 years.” What Ivelisse knows now, but didn’t know at the time, is a small tumor can go from polyp to cancer in 36 months. “If there is a strong genetic link you should be tested every year, not every five”, says Ivelisse. And it can come without warning.

“I had no symptoms besides being tired. I was taking two-to-three hour naps every day. Raising four kids I thought I was just a tired, busy mom. My husband finally said this is just not right, something is really wrong. So I made an appointment with the doctor and he told me you are severely anemic, you need to go to the ER…right now…and get a blood transfusion. I had no one there at the moment to help me. My husband and my mom were out of town. I told the doctor I have my kids at home what am I going to do?” At the same time, Jimmy, her husband was in an airport in Georgia about to board a plane to California, but when Ivelisse called Jimmy looked up to see there was another flight to Baltimore. He ran to the ticket counter and told them they must switch his flight, the airline honored his request and within 90 minutes he was home.

But the journey was just beginning.

The doctor couldn’t figure out why Ivelisse was so anemic. He said there was no reason for it to be a colon issue, Ivelisse had just had a colonoscopy three years prior…but they elected to do another one. The colonoscopy revealed cancer in the colon, it was in the lymph nodes, stage-3. Sometimes three is a magic number, to Ivelisse it didn’t feel that way, but by doing the colonoscopy at that time, that single test probably saved her life.

“At that moment I did cry”, says Ivelisse. Your life flashes before you, you have this diagnosis and knowing what my father and his family went through…you try to overcome the fear trying to grip you. But when I got home I had to make a decision. Am I going to live by fear, or by faith and fight? I made the choice I’m going to live by faith and fight, and that’s what I held on to.

Ivelisse and Jimmy had the difficult conversation with their four children. Her oldest, who had done some research on the internet about colon cancer, asked his mom if she was going to die. Ivelisse told her son, “none of us knows what tomorrow will bring, if we are here, or not. I know things don’t look good when you go online and read, but God is good no matter what and I will fight as hard as I can to be here. Stay off the internet and fill your mind with things which are encouraging, not discouraging.”

The surgery to remove the cancer was a success and only 1-of-28 lymph nodes was affected, still it was recommended Ivelisse see an oncologist for follow-up. “Surely”, Ivelisse says, “with all the years since my father had passed, there must be advancements which give me a better chance of surviving. We interviewed several oncologists and found Dr. Diaz at Johns Hopkins Hospital. But when we asked Dr. Diaz about my chances of surviving with chemotherapy, he told us at that point it was a 67% survival rate, without chemo it was 57%. It only improved my chances by 10%…my husband and I looked at each other and decided we were not going to do it.” But as more testing was done it was discovered the cancer had spread to the liver, Ivelisse was now stage-4. Devastating. Her chances of survival this time around, only 8%. Chemo wouldn’t change a thing.

During this period Ivelisse and Jimmy started looking around for alternatives. There had to be a better way, a better shot at survival. They learned about mistletoe therapy. Mistletoe, the same plant which garners all the attention at holiday time bringing people together, sometimes in the tradition of a single kiss underneath the greenery. Ivelisse and Jimmy hoped this time mistletoe might help kiss cancer goodbye. The couple was introduced to Dr. Peter Hinderberger, who handles anthroposophic, (alternative),medicine. He taught them about the healing affects of mistletoe, which attacked the bad cancer cells, but left the good ones intact. Through research Ivelisse and Jimmy learned mistletoe can also stimulate bone marrow activity, help ease tumor-related pain and reduce the risk of reoccurrence of cancer. And it could be used right alongside chemotherapy to help reduce the side effects of chemo. 60% of cancer patients in Europe are on mistletoe therapy.

Ivelisse was sold and two weeks prior to the liver surgery she began mistletoe therapy treatments. During the surgery, 20% of her liver was dissected, but the margins were clear. Ivelisse went in for post-op and another scan. Before the doctor gave the results, she and Jimmy asked him what were the chances of something showing up again. The doctor asked her, “do you really want to know?” The couple said they did and the doctor told her, 75% of the time they find more tumor activity. Ivelisse says her husband Jimmy looked over at her and told her, “you are going to be part of that 25%.”

That was more than five years ago. Miracles happen and Ivelisse is living one. At the three-year mark of being cancer-free Dr. Diaz told Ivelisse, this is “monumental” to be part of the 8% who survive stage-4 colon cancer. And that was when this survivor told the doctor she wanted to do more to share her mistletoe treatment story. She wanted to raise money to fund clinical trials, but as Dr. Diaz explained to her, not only would it be a daunting dask, but there was another challenge, no pharmaceutical company could touch it because mistletoe is a natural substance, so funds must be raised privately.

Words like daunting, challenge, and the like mean little when you have the belief, you carry the faith and find your purpose. Ivelisse knew then she had to dream big, live big, believe big. It had been nearly a quarter-century since a preacher at summer camp told Ivelisse she would “play in integral role in finding a cure for cancer”, and in April of 2011, Believe Big was born. It began simply with Believe Big mugs, handed out to patients at the oncology center while Ivelisse waited for her appointments. But since that time, so much more has happened.

Through different events and Ivelisse and Jimmy’s dedication to the cause, Believe Big has raised $300,000 and Phase 1 of the clinical trials on mistletoe therapy is underway. Phases 2 and 3 will take millions to fund and years to complete, but the energy is there and the cause is worth it. Ivelisse says, “the good thing is mistletoe therapy is available now and there are 50 physicians trained across the United States to administer it with treatments. Though not covered by insurance, the treatments cost only about $100-$150 a month. Believe Big even has grant dollars available to help patients with the cost of the those treatments.

At the most recent Believe Big dinner, just last month, the non-profit foundation raised more than $196,000. The theme? Kissing Cancer Goodbye.

“My why and my passion for doing what I do each day”, says Ivelisse, “is because I don’t want anyone else to lose their mom, dad, brother, or sister. I want people to know there are complimentary things out there to help fight cancer and to bridge the gap between conventional medicine and other treatments. We want to cure the whole person, to use the strength of both practices and let people know there are other things out there to help heal. Even creating the website, (http://www.believebig.org/), as a place for people to go as a guide for what to look for, we don’t want it to be difficult for anyone to find the information. You are going through a hurricane of emotions, (when cancer is diagnosed), and so we created Believe Big, so there’s one place to go, one resource for patients to advocate for their own health.

Face it. Fight it. Overcome it. Those are the three sentences on the foundation’s website. Sometimes three is a magic number. Ivelisse and her family are making magic and more.

Want to change the world? Just ask Ivelisse Page…sometimes you just have to Believe Big.

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Blog Reviews

Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

Aileen Braverman

I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

Beverlee Rendelman

Connect with Mark!

WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17September 24, 2013

In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné PallaceSeptember 24, 2013

It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. RiecksNovember 4, 2013

This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109October 23, 2013

A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. BogashSeven Valleys, PA

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

PattiMSeptember 25, 2013

From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

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All I could think was, “that’s my baby”. Another moment. The other night my youngest, Emily, stood up from amongst the other orchestra members on stage at her elementary school, with microphone in hand and did it. She didn’t sing, instead it was her purpose, her responsiblity, to explain the next piece of music and […]